AUSTRIAIt's been a relatively quiet Christmas, snow wise, for our reported Austrian resorts, however during this period there has been picturesque sunny weather. There was one big exception to this with Pitztal (81cm/164cm) recording 30cm of fresh snow. There are great skiing conditions in Mayrhofen (5cm/145cm) which has been able to open all of their lifts, and there is potential for more snow to further better the piste conditions.

This will all change with a number of resorts are anticipating fresh snow. Kaunertal (172cm/277cm) and Nuestift/Stubai (30cm/250cm) were forced to close lift operations on 27th due to extreme weather conditions. Likewise, Obergurgl (75cm/191cm) had to limit their lifts services, only being able to operate five lifts.

The Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun (105cm/305cm), Gargellen (65cm/100cm) Rauris (60cm/160cm) and St Anton (70cm/160cm) are all predicting significant snowfalls of 16cm, 20cm, 13cm and 20cm respectively over the next couple of days.

St Anton last week

FRANCEThe weather has turned in France and fresh snow has been reported at almost all the French resorts since Christmas Day. Some resorts received new snow on Boxing Day, with Megeve (60/150cm) and St Gervais (80/120cm) reporting 20cm.

Wednesday 27th December was a cloudy and snowy day across the French ski areas. Again as much as 20-25cm of new snow was reported, with highlights including Font Romeu (70cm), Isola 2000 (110/190cm) and Orcieres (100/115cm). These lesser known resorts reported some of the deepest covers of new snow on Wednesday morning.

The snowy weather is predicted to remain across the French resorts until the New Year, delivering further fresh snow for those out in the Alps for their Christmas break. Some sunny spells may move in as we head into 2018.

SWITZERLANDThe weather has turned in Switzerland with cloudy skies and low temperatures delivering fresh snow to some resorts. All of our feature Swiss resorts are predicted to receive new snow over the next few days.

Engelberg (40/430cm) has the deepest base depth of any of our featured Swiss resorts, but this area does benefit from a glacier.

Of the resorts reporting fresh snow, Pontresina (35/105cm) reports the greatest snowfall with 20cm falling in tome for the lifts opening on 27th December. Andermatt (40/230cm) sits in second place having received 15cm for the same time.

ITALYMacugnaga (5cm/25cm) re-opened during the Christmas period, which now means all of our reported Italian resorts are now open. The Christmas period for the Italian resorts was sunny, however the weather has changed with clouds moving in and fresh snow falling. Madonna di Campiglio (50/100cm) had significant snowfall with 15cm landing on Boxing Day, providing some great skiing conditions.

Cortina (20cm/100cm), Bardonecchia (120cm/160cm) and Madesimo (110/180cm) are all predicted significant snowfalls of 20cm, 10cm and 27cm respectively by the morning of 28th December.

ANDORRAIt was a snowy day on 27th December. Only a light dusting of new snow was reported in the morning in Vallnord and Grandvalira, but the cold, cloudy and wintry weather was predicted to remain for at least a couple of days, nicely timed for those out for holiday over the festive break.

SCANDANAVIAThe temperature remains low in Scandinavia and heavy snowfall has been reported, but primarily on Norway and Sweden. Ruka (60/90cm) in Finland did receive a light dusting on Christmas Day though.

In Norway between 10cm and 40cm of new snow was reported on 27th December providing fantastic fresh snow skiing. It was a similar story in Sweden too.

The snowy weather is forecast to hang around for the end of 2017 and into the first few days of 2018.

GERMANYGood conditions have been enjoyed at our reported German resorts so far this Christmas period, with a good balance of sunny weather and regular snowfall. Feldberg (49cm/128cm) had a good snowfall of 8cm to refresh their pistes. Likewise, Oberstdorf (40cm/230cm) has fresh snow falling. It is milder at Reit im WInkl (32cm/160cm), where the resort's reporting spring like weather with plenty of sunshine and a few scattered clouds to provide picturesque views.

EASTERN EUROPEBorovets (50/70cm) and Rosa Khutor (77cm/286cm) are open for the season, with both enjoying successful opening weekends. All of our reported resorts in Eastern Europe are forecast snowfall for the next few days. Pamporovo (10cm/30cm) is set to receive a fresh dusting of 5cm of snow by 28th December to further improve the snow conditions. Kranjska Gora (50cm/60cm) is set to receive a huge 45cm of snow over the same period.

SCOTLANDDespite some light overnight snowfall there is currently not enough snow cover at any of the five Scottish ski areas for snowsports.

USAFresh snow fell at many of the American resorts over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, improving the riding conditions.

Big Sky (112/168cm) reported 30-40 inches, around 75-100cm, of new snow over the last week, and as you might expect the skiing is superb at the moment as result of all of this new snow.

Attitash Bear Creak (25/51cm) may not have the deepest base depth but with around 40cm of new snow falling over the festive period the riding is great.

Arapahoe Basin (119cm) received a similar amount, as did Breckenridge (76cm) and Loveland (107cm).

It was bitterly cold across in Vermont on Thursday 27th December, with temperatures below -20C.

CANADAThe conditions in Canada have remained excellent throughout the Christmas period. It has been a mix of sunny weather and light snowfall, refreshing the piste conditions. Tremblant (60cm) had a significant snowfall of 16cm on Christmas Day to provide a wonderful white Christmas. Elsewhere, over in Marmot Basin (85cm) they are forecasting a day full of sunshine, however it will be bitterly cold going as low as -20C.

The Banff resorts are forecast fantastic sunny conditions, but similarly to Marmot Basin, it will be extremely cold with temperatures as low as -19C. Additionally, Mount Norquay (93cm) had a light dusting of snow to further compliment the very good skiing conditions.

JAPANHakuba (70cm/210cm) and Niseko (130cm/310cm) both have had huge dumps of snow overnight for lifts opening on 27th December. 32cm fell at Hakuba and 35cm was reported at Niseko. The famous Japanese powder skiing continues!